How long does it take for Lexapro to work? It may take up to six to eight weeks to feel the full effects of Lexapro. However, some aspects, such as appetite, sleep, or energy levels, may show improvement within the first few weeks. How do you wean yourself off of Lexapro? You should never stop taking Lexapro abruptly. If you do, you can experience withdrawal symptoms, including irritability. Escitalopram, sold under the brand names Cipralex and Lexapro, among others, is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. Escitalopram is mainly used to treat major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include trouble sleeping, nausea, sexual problems, and feeling tired. Lexapro and other antidepressants may cause you to experience insomnia. You may notice that it takes you longer than it normally should to fall asleep, or that you struggle to fall asleep even if you feel tired. If you notice insomnia symptoms after using Lexapro, try applying the techniques listed above to make falling and staying asleep easier. If these aren’t effective, talk to your. Does Lexapro (escitalopram) help with anxiety? Yes, Lexapro (escitalopram) is a first-choice treatment for generalized anxiety disorder and anxiety that happens with depression. Pros and cons of Lexapro (escitalopram) Pros. Effective at relieving depression and anxiety symptoms. Lowers the likelihood of your depression coming back. Has fewer drug interactions and may cause fewer side effects. Escitalopram (Lexapro) is an inexpensive drug used to treat depression and certain types of anxiety.This drug is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. As of 2006, it is available in generic and brand versions. Generic escitalopram is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of. Lexapro DOES have a long half life of about 30hrs which means after taking a 10mg dose only 5 mg would remain in your body; after 60 hrs only 2.5mg, etc. But because it has such a long half life it also takes a very long time to reach steady state therapeutic levels that might cause a withdrawal syndrome when stopped. Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is a prescription drug used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Side effects may include taste alterations, shaking, fever, weight loss, weight gain, and headache. Learn drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information. Fluoxetine is one of the class of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drugs. Prozac (fluoxetine) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant. Learn about how fluoxetine works Lexapro (escitalopram) is typically prescribed to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, and you shouldn't stop taking it without first getting approval from your doctor. Weaning yourself off of an antidepressant can be difficult, but it's much easier if you taper it off slowly under your doctor's care. As you decrease your doses, watch for signs of withdrawal or returning symptoms of the. Medscape - Depression-specific dosing for Lexapro (escitalopram), frequency-based adverse effects, comprehensive interactions, contraindications, pregnancy & lactation schedules, and cost information.